Genetic Improvement of Catharanthus roseus L. for Abiotic Stress Tolerance using HVA-1 Gene Via Bombardment Approach

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to introduce HVA1 gene into Catharanthus roseus callus by using PDS (Particle delivery system). In vitro seed germination of C. roseus was achieved using vigor seeds. The shootlets induction medium was MS containing 2.0 mg/l benzyl aminopurine l −1 . Somatic embryogenesis was obtained by culturing various parts of explants (stem, root and leaves disc) on MS containing 2, 4-D at 3.0 mg/l and subcultured on MS medium containing coconut juice 3%. Genetically transformed C. roseus somatic embryos were obtained after bombardment of embryonic calli, by pAB1 plasmid harboring HVA-1 gene, salt resistance, and Bar gene, herbicide resistance, coated gold particles 1.0micron, 1100 and 1350 Psi with 130 mm with HAV1 gene. The data showed that the transgenic line exhibited different levels of salt tolerance as expressed by the performance of plants dry weight, proline content and drought tolerance test. HVA-1 gene enhanced vinca salt tolerance hence enhancing the production of the important secondary metabolites from transgenic plants. The results of the present study can be seen as a step towards development of salinity tolerant transgenic vinca genotypes.